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teresab78's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars - I really enjoyed this story. I felt so bad for these two caught up in the constraints of their management team. I vaguely know of the real boy band situation this seemed based on so I can't comment on that, but as a unique story, I really liked seeing the ins and outs of the music business (whether true or not) and loved all the boys. Super sweet, and I appreciated that the sex part of the relationship took time to develop. Kisses!!!
lalauren04's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars - I really enjoyed this one, even if it did drive me crazy sometimes. Catch My Breath was very romantic and sweet, but also really frustrating in places! It was extremely well written, but I did find myself skipping certain parts either because it seemed a little repetitive or because I just wanted to get to the happy lovey-dovey stuff. I couldn't deal with all the drama in the second half of the book. It kind of ruined the warm fuzzy feelings that the first half gave me, and by the end I was like "COME ON! JUST KISS AND BE HAPPY!"
Elliot was a sweetheart, though. I totally understood why he was so upset and frustrated. I mean, even I was pretty upset and frustrated when Danny ran his mouth off in that one particular TV interview. In fact, he totally deserved a bitch slap for that one, even if he had been cornered into it and put on the spot. But honestly? I'm not completely hating on Danny, cos I did love him too. I really felt for both Danny and Elliot. At one point, I stopped and thought to myself "why the hell are they putting up with this shit?" If it had been me going through the crap that their management was putting them through, I'd probably have just caved and walked away from it all. I guess that just goes to show how much Elliot and Danny loved each other and their bandmates.
Reece, Tate and Webb were pretty awesome. I loved Chris, as well. It would be nice to read more about those characters, or even perhaps have a short follow on to show us how Danny and Elliot's relationship progresses. I bloody hated Sasha - I kind of wanted something to happen where he lost his job or something (anything!) for the way he treated Elliot and Danny. How did he get away with all that shit? Seriously?
Anyway, I still enjoyed the story. I've loved pretty much everything MJ has written so far, and Catch My Breath certainly wasn't a disappointment. It was definitely the most well written of all her work so far - I couldn't fault the writing at all. If we could see more of the guys from Static (or maybe Chris? Please, write some more of Chris!), I'd totally be alright with that ;)
Elliot was a sweetheart, though. I totally understood why he was so upset and frustrated. I mean, even I was pretty upset and frustrated when Danny ran his mouth off in that one particular TV interview. In fact, he totally deserved a bitch slap for that one, even if he had been cornered into it and put on the spot. But honestly? I'm not completely hating on Danny, cos I did love him too. I really felt for both Danny and Elliot. At one point, I stopped and thought to myself "why the hell are they putting up with this shit?" If it had been me going through the crap that their management was putting them through, I'd probably have just caved and walked away from it all. I guess that just goes to show how much Elliot and Danny loved each other and their bandmates.
Reece, Tate and Webb were pretty awesome. I loved Chris, as well. It would be nice to read more about those characters, or even perhaps have a short follow on to show us how Danny and Elliot's relationship progresses. I bloody hated Sasha - I kind of wanted something to happen where he lost his job or something (anything!) for the way he treated Elliot and Danny. How did he get away with all that shit? Seriously?
Anyway, I still enjoyed the story. I've loved pretty much everything MJ has written so far, and Catch My Breath certainly wasn't a disappointment. It was definitely the most well written of all her work so far - I couldn't fault the writing at all. If we could see more of the guys from Static (or maybe Chris? Please, write some more of Chris!), I'd totally be alright with that ;)
arezou's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
nicola949's review against another edition
5.0
This book is definitely worth reading, a modern take on love between two musicians who are part of a boy band.
I'm sure this plot has been done before, band members falling for each other but having to keep both their sexuality and their relationship under wraps for fear of jeapardising their career success, but this story is done really well and with a slightly different spin.
This book is definitely up with the times and presents a very modern scenario that I think we all recogonise! It starts with a music executive offering a group of solo artists the chance of a lifetime, to be part of a boy band. This is followed by the 'discovery' of the final member at a local talent show. The group then take part in a reality TV show. They have to live in a house with a couple of other music groups and solo artists. They are filmed constantly, need to participate in challenges, spend time in the diary room and be interviewed regularly. Social media also features strongly with short parts of the story being told in tweets which gives a unique view of the fans view of the band and its members.
It is against this backdrop that Elliot and Danny start spending time together. They are under continual pressure due to the unique situation. They are getting to know their fellow band members, adjusting to their living arrangements, dealing with new feelings for each, trying to manage other personal relationships, dealing with the music execs....
Danny is "funny and adorable" and Elliot "might look like an angel but has a voice like sin." They are immediately attracted but Danny isn't in a position to act on his feelings. But the more time he spends with Elliot, he realises he needs to make some changes. "It was like everything else was boring shades of gray, and Elliot was a solar flare, bright and burning." While Danny is struggling with his new feelings, Elliot is equally struggling "It was hard to remember that they were just good friends......Whenever Danny was in the room, Elliot had to keep reminding himself that anything else existed at all."
Danny and Elliot finally get together but then enter a complex world involving stress, lies, hiding who they are, fake publicity and lack of support from the record company. The story is not superficial, rather delving deeply into the emotional turmoil of each man. Of course there is a happy ending and in true romance fashion, a heart-felt song written to celebrate their love.
4.5 stars
I'm sure this plot has been done before, band members falling for each other but having to keep both their sexuality and their relationship under wraps for fear of jeapardising their career success, but this story is done really well and with a slightly different spin.
This book is definitely up with the times and presents a very modern scenario that I think we all recogonise! It starts with a music executive offering a group of solo artists the chance of a lifetime, to be part of a boy band. This is followed by the 'discovery' of the final member at a local talent show. The group then take part in a reality TV show. They have to live in a house with a couple of other music groups and solo artists. They are filmed constantly, need to participate in challenges, spend time in the diary room and be interviewed regularly. Social media also features strongly with short parts of the story being told in tweets which gives a unique view of the fans view of the band and its members.
It is against this backdrop that Elliot and Danny start spending time together. They are under continual pressure due to the unique situation. They are getting to know their fellow band members, adjusting to their living arrangements, dealing with new feelings for each, trying to manage other personal relationships, dealing with the music execs....
Danny is "funny and adorable" and Elliot "might look like an angel but has a voice like sin." They are immediately attracted but Danny isn't in a position to act on his feelings. But the more time he spends with Elliot, he realises he needs to make some changes. "It was like everything else was boring shades of gray, and Elliot was a solar flare, bright and burning." While Danny is struggling with his new feelings, Elliot is equally struggling "It was hard to remember that they were just good friends......Whenever Danny was in the room, Elliot had to keep reminding himself that anything else existed at all."
Danny and Elliot finally get together but then enter a complex world involving stress, lies, hiding who they are, fake publicity and lack of support from the record company. The story is not superficial, rather delving deeply into the emotional turmoil of each man. Of course there is a happy ending and in true romance fashion, a heart-felt song written to celebrate their love.
4.5 stars
eedr's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
crtsjffrsn's review
4.0
Danny Bright dreams of a career as a singer. And he sees the open auditions at Blue Horizon Records as his ticket to the big time. He knows if they see what he can bring, he stands a good chance of being signed. He's surprised at the decision to keep four of the guys and try to sell them as a group, but a recording contract is a recording contract. Provided the producers can find them a fifth member.
Elliot Price never even considered the idea of becoming an entertainer. He plans to finish high school and head off to college. But when a last-minute decision to perform at a talent search night puts him on the radar of a big-time record producer, he might just have to change his plans. It turns out Elliot could be the fifth member and round out a new singing group.
Once they're all assembled, there's no denying the boys of Static have a star quality. And they have no trouble lining up the fans. They also bond quickly, becoming closer than they might have imagined. And for Danny and Elliot, that closeness means something else entirely. They're drawn to each other in unexpected ways. Which could mean trouble for the group, especially when it comes to marketing them to their teenage girl fanbase. They know they'll have to make some decisions, and those decision may not be easy...
--
I enjoy a book that shows the development of a relationship in an authentic way. To see these two go from strangers, to friends, to realizing there might be something more, to... Yes. Very good. And it helps when the characters are so relatable and developed. We, as readers, get to see them deal with all of the realizations, the excitement, and the fear that comes along with it.
I also have to say there were parts of this book that frustrated me. It had nothing to do with the writing--well, to be more accurate, it's the fact that the writing is so good that I was frustrated. The studio executives who take an incredibly narrow view of what fans look for is certainly infuriating. And the idea that making money is more important that the happiness of your artists? Not an attractive quality at all. But such is show business?
There are a few parts that do move a little more quickly than I would have liked. But the overall pacing and story are well done. And this is an enjoyable read.
Elliot Price never even considered the idea of becoming an entertainer. He plans to finish high school and head off to college. But when a last-minute decision to perform at a talent search night puts him on the radar of a big-time record producer, he might just have to change his plans. It turns out Elliot could be the fifth member and round out a new singing group.
Once they're all assembled, there's no denying the boys of Static have a star quality. And they have no trouble lining up the fans. They also bond quickly, becoming closer than they might have imagined. And for Danny and Elliot, that closeness means something else entirely. They're drawn to each other in unexpected ways. Which could mean trouble for the group, especially when it comes to marketing them to their teenage girl fanbase. They know they'll have to make some decisions, and those decision may not be easy...
--
I enjoy a book that shows the development of a relationship in an authentic way. To see these two go from strangers, to friends, to realizing there might be something more, to... Yes. Very good. And it helps when the characters are so relatable and developed. We, as readers, get to see them deal with all of the realizations, the excitement, and the fear that comes along with it.
I also have to say there were parts of this book that frustrated me. It had nothing to do with the writing--well, to be more accurate, it's the fact that the writing is so good that I was frustrated. The studio executives who take an incredibly narrow view of what fans look for is certainly infuriating. And the idea that making money is more important that the happiness of your artists? Not an attractive quality at all. But such is show business?
There are a few parts that do move a little more quickly than I would have liked. But the overall pacing and story are well done. And this is an enjoyable read.
wrenvale's review
5.0
I have read this book 3 times!!
Clearly written about a ship that not only am I invested in but I whole heartedly believe in.
This story is beautifully written and carefully thought out.
I pray the boys get the happy ever after they deserve in real like
Clearly written about a ship that not only am I invested in but I whole heartedly believe in.
This story is beautifully written and carefully thought out.
I pray the boys get the happy ever after they deserve in real like
anya_doesntmatter's review
4.0
5 star read
2 star experience
I love M.J. O'shea, this story is well written and beautifully told but what ruined it for me is the fact that I heard this story a year and a half ago via my One Direction obsessed fangirl daughter and her friends! Every time, the story got interesting a One Direction incident would be thrown in, bursting my happy bubble and ruining my enjoyment. This was a bittersweet read for me. It was art imitating life and I couldn't completely lose myself in the story because of that. If you are clueless about One Direction, you will def appreciate this story way more than I did. Read it! It's good! Very Good!
Btw, anyone else catch the Taylor Swift reference in Georgia Dixon clothing? I nearly fell out the bed laughing!
2 star experience
I love M.J. O'shea, this story is well written and beautifully told but what ruined it for me is the fact that I heard this story a year and a half ago via my One Direction obsessed fangirl daughter and her friends! Every time, the story got interesting a One Direction incident would be thrown in, bursting my happy bubble and ruining my enjoyment. This was a bittersweet read for me. It was art imitating life and I couldn't completely lose myself in the story because of that. If you are clueless about One Direction, you will def appreciate this story way more than I did. Read it! It's good! Very Good!
Btw, anyone else catch the Taylor Swift reference in Georgia Dixon clothing? I nearly fell out the bed laughing!